1. Introduction
The E220-400M22S is a compact wireless module developed by EBYTE, based on Semtech's LLCC68 LoRa™ RF chip. This module is designed for 433MHz and 470MHz SMD wireless applications and incorporates an industrial 32MHz crystal oscillator.
It offers enhanced anti-jamming performance and extended communication range compared to previous generation LoRa™ transceivers, leveraging new LoRa™ modulation technology. The module is suitable for a wide range of applications requiring long-distance wireless communication, including smart home systems, wireless meter reading, scientific research, and medical devices. It operates across a frequency range of 410MHz to 493MHz.
2. Product Overview and Features
The E220-400M22S module provides robust wireless communication capabilities with several key features:
- Long Range: Achieves a measured communication distance of up to 5500 meters (5.5 km).
- Adjustable Power: Maximum transmitting power of 160mW (22dBm), with multi-level software adjustable settings.
- Frequency Support: Supports global license-free ISM 433MHz / 470MHz bands.
- Data Rates: In LoRa™ mode, data transmission rates range from 1.76kbps to 62.5kbps. FSK mode supports up to 300kbps data transmission rate.
- Data Buffer: Features a large 256-byte FIFO (First-In, First-Out) data cache.
- Spread Spectrum Factors: Supports SF5, SF6, SF7, SF8, SF9, SF10, SF11.
- Power Supply: Operates with a 1.8V to 3.7V power supply. Optimal performance is achieved with power supply greater than 3.3V.
- Industrial Design: Designed for industrial use, supporting long-term operation in temperatures from -40°C to 85°C.
- RF Interface Options: Offers dual RF interface options (IPEX / stamp hole) for flexible secondary development and integration.
Figure 1: Front view of the EBYTE E220-400M22S LoRa Wireless Module, showing the model number, EBYTE branding, RoHS, and CE certifications. The module features an IPEX antenna connector.
Figure 2: Dimensions of the EBYTE E220-400M22S LoRa Wireless Module, indicating a length of 20mm and a width of 14mm.
Figure 3: Illustration of the professional RF shield integrated into the E220-400M22S module. The alloy shield surrounds the receiving circuit and components, protecting them from external electromagnetic and static interference.
Figure 4: Diagram illustrating the higher data transfer rate capability of the E220-400M22S module. In LoRa™ mode, the transmission rate can reach between 1.76kbps and 62.5kbps, enabling faster data processing.
3. Pinout and Interface
Understanding the pinout is crucial for proper integration of the E220-400M22S module into your system. The module provides various pins for power, ground, data, and control signals.
Figure 5: Pinout diagram of the EBYTE E220-400M22S module, showing the arrangement and labels of all accessible pins, including GND, ANT, NSS, SCK, MOSI, MISO, NRST, BUSY, DIO1, DIO2, RXEN, TXEN, and VCC.
Detailed pin descriptions and their functions are typically provided in the module's datasheet, which should be consulted for specific integration requirements.
4. Setup and Integration
The E220-400M22S is a pure RF transceiver module, meaning it requires an external microcontroller (MCU) for operation. Integration involves connecting the module to an MCU via its SPI interface and developing firmware to control its functions.
4.1 Hardware Connection
- Connect the VCC pin to a stable power supply within the 1.8V to 3.7V range. Ensure the power supply can provide sufficient current.
- Connect all GND pins to the system ground.
- Connect the SPI interface pins (NSS, SCK, MOSI, MISO) to the corresponding SPI pins on your MCU.
- Connect the DIO1 and DIO2 pins to GPIOs on your MCU for interrupt handling and status indication.
- Connect NRST to an MCU GPIO for hardware reset control.
- Connect RXEN and TXEN to MCU GPIOs for controlling the receive and transmit enable states.
- Attach a suitable 433MHz or 470MHz antenna to the IPEX connector or stamp hole.
4.2 Software Development
Controlling the E220-400M22S module requires an MCU driver or a specialized SPI debugging tool. This involves:
- Initializing the SPI communication.
- Configuring the LLCC68 chip registers for desired operating mode (LoRa™ or FSK), frequency, power, and spread spectrum factor.
- Implementing routines for sending and receiving data packets.
- Handling interrupts from DIO pins for events like packet reception or transmission completion.
5. Operating Principles
The E220-400M22S module operates primarily using LoRa™ modulation, which is optimized for long-range, low-power communication. It also supports FSK modulation for higher data rates over shorter distances.
5.1 LoRa™ Mode
LoRa™ (Long Range) is a spread spectrum modulation technique derived from chirp spread spectrum (CSS) technology. It offers significant advantages in terms of range, interference immunity, and power efficiency. Key parameters in LoRa™ mode include:
- Spreading Factor (SF): Determines the data rate and range. Higher SF values increase range but decrease data rate. The module supports SF5 to SF11.
- Bandwidth (BW): Affects data rate and noise immunity.
- Coding Rate (CR): Adds redundancy for error correction, improving robustness at the cost of data rate.
5.2 FSK Mode
FSK (Frequency Shift Keying) is a traditional modulation scheme that provides higher data throughput compared to LoRa™ for applications where range is less critical. The module supports FSK mode with data rates up to 300kbps.
6. Applications
The E220-400M22S module is versatile and can be applied in various scenarios requiring reliable wireless communication:
- Home security alarm systems and remote keyless entry.
- Smart home and industrial sensor networks.
- Wireless alarm security systems.
- Building automation solutions.
- Wireless industrial remote controllers.
- Health care products and monitoring systems.
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
- Automotive industry applications.
Figure 6: Visual representation of various application scenarios for EBYTE products, including smart home, remote control, access control systems, and security systems, highlighting the module's versatility in IoT applications.
7. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the E220-400M22S module are provided below:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| IC | LLCC68 |
| Frequency | 410.125 ~ 493.125MHz |
| Power | 22dBm (160mW) |
| Distance | Up to 6km (5.5km measured) |
| Size | 20 x 14 x 2.8mm |
| Data Rate (LoRa™) | 1.76kbps ~ 62.5kbps |
| Data Rate (FSK) | Up to 300kbps |
| FIFO Buffer | 256 bytes |
| Spread Spectrum Factors | SF5, SF6, SF7, SF8, SF9, SF10, SF11 |
| Power Supply | 1.8V ~ 3.7V (Optimal > 3.3V) |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C |
| RF Interface | IPEX / Stamp Hole |
8. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with the E220-400M22S module, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- No Communication: Verify all power and ground connections. Check SPI wiring and ensure the MCU's SPI interface is correctly configured. Confirm the module is receiving adequate power (especially >3.3V for optimal performance).
- Poor Range/Performance: Ensure a suitable antenna is properly connected. Check for environmental interference or obstacles. Verify that the transmit power settings and LoRa™ parameters (SF, BW, CR) are correctly configured for your application and environment.
- Module Not Responding: Try performing a hardware reset via the NRST pin. Ensure the MCU firmware is correctly initializing and communicating with the LLCC68 chip.
- Data Corruption: Check for noise on power lines. Verify data rates and modulation settings match between transmitting and receiving modules.
- Software Issues: Debug your MCU firmware step-by-step to ensure correct register writes and reads to the LLCC68 chip. Refer to the LLCC68 datasheet for detailed register information.
9. Maintenance
The E220-400M22S module is designed for robust operation and requires minimal maintenance. Adhere to the following guidelines to ensure its longevity and performance:
- Proper Handling: Handle the module with care to avoid physical damage to components or pins. Use anti-static precautions when handling to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage.
- Environmental Conditions: Operate the module within its specified temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Avoid exposure to excessive moisture, dust, or corrosive substances.
- Power Supply Stability: Ensure a stable and clean power supply to prevent erratic behavior or damage.
- Firmware Updates: Regularly check the manufacturer's website for any firmware updates or application notes that may improve performance or address known issues.
10. Support and Warranty
For technical support, additional documentation, or warranty information regarding your EBYTE E220-400M22S module, please contact the manufacturer directly.
Manufacturer: EBYTE
Official Website: http://www.cdebyte.com/
Figure 7: Product packaging for the EBYTE E220-400M22S module, displaying manufacturer details, contact information, and certifications. This information can be used for support inquiries.
Please retain your purchase receipt for warranty claims. Warranty terms and conditions are subject to the manufacturer's policy.
